Bruno Tonioli has officially announced he is leaving his role as judge on Britain’s Got Talent amid overlapping commitments with Dancing With the Stars. The move ends his relatively recent tenure on BGT, allowing him to fully concentrate on the new season of DWTS, which premiered September 16, 2025.
Departure from Britain’s Got Talent
Tonioli issued a public statement confirming his exit from BGT, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason. He explained that his obligations to Dancing With the Stars make it impossible to continue with BGT’s audition and filming schedule, particularly for the 2026 series. This decision was expected by many who noticed the growing overlap in his commitments.
DWTS Season 34 Premiere and New Role
The DWTS Season 34 premiere has thrust Bruno Tonioli back into the limelight in a major way. He returned as a judge alongside Derek Hough. Notably, longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba was absent from the premiere due to illness. Her absence meant Tonioli and Hough judged the contestants without her input, which drew attention from fans. Carrie Ann is expected to rejoin the panel at a later date.
Score Flub at Premier Night
Tonioli’s premiere night was memorable not just for his return, but for a scoring mishap. During the Season 34 opener, he intended to give Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas a score of 7 but accidentally registered an 8 through the electronic system. The discrepancy was caught on screen and corrected promptly. Tonioli laughed off the error, joking that “live television” comes with its pitfalls.
Fan Reaction and Impact on Both Shows
Fans of both Britain’s Got Talent and Dancing With the Stars have expressed mixed emotions. Many were sad to see Tonioli leave BGT, but there’s also considerable enthusiasm for his renewed focus on DWTS. Social media reacted strongly to the score blunder—some criticizing the error, others finding it endearing. His fans seem glad he’s fully invested in one role for now.
What This Means for Britain’s Got Talent
With Tonioli stepping down, BGT needs to fill his seat for auditions and subsequent live shows. Earlier speculations named potential replacements such as KSI and Alan Carr, though no official announcement has confirmed who will take over. The shift might influence the style and tone of judging moving forward.
Bruno Tonioli’s Clean Focus on DWTS
With BGT out of the picture, Tonioli can now dedicate his energy entirely to Dancing With the Stars. Season 34 promises to build on earlier seasons with high-profile contestants, dramatic performances, and live television pressure. Tonioli’s consistent presence and judging style remain a draw for fans, reinforcing why his decision to leave BGT was significant.
Preserving Tonioli’s Brand and Style
Bruno Tonioli is known for his theatrical flair, lively feedback, and passionate responses to dancers. Despite stepping away from BGT, his style will remain prominent on DWTS, where he can continue delivering signature critiques and embracing dramatic moments—like the score mix-up during the premiere. His exit from BGT may actually help him preserve consistency and energy on DWTS without being spread too thin.
What’s Next for Tonioli and His Projects
- Tonioli will return to full duties as judge on DWTS for all upcoming episodes, including live performance nights and eliminations.
- Carrie Ann Inaba’s return is anticipated soon, bringing the full judging panel back together.
- In BGT, leadership is expected to announce a replacement judge in the near future in preparation for the 2026 auditions.
Final Thoughts
Bruno Tonioli’s decision to leave Britain’s Got Talent underscores how demanding a dual presence across major TV shows can be. His commitment to Dancing With the Stars in Season 34 shows he still has plenty to offer in that ballroom. The score mishap, Carrie Ann’s absence, and his full focus on DWTS have all made this a high-profile moment in Tonioli’s career.
What do you think of Tonioli’s exit from BGT? Do you believe his return to full-time DWTS judging will bring back the classic energy fans remember? Drop your thoughts below.